Daytona Beach, Fla. — No. 40 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota driver Michael Waltrip expects to make his 26th consecutive appearance in Sunday’s 54th running of the Daytona 500. But it won’t be an easy task for the two-time Daytona 500 champion. As the seventh fastest qualifier of the go-or-go-homers last Sunday, he will likely have to race his way into the 500 field. That means he’ll need to finish in the top two of the go-or-go-homers in the first of Thursday’s two 150-mile qualifying races.
To race in:
Waltrip must finish first or second among the following drivers in his 150-mile qualifying race:
1. Robby Gordon
2. Trevor Bayne
3. David Stremme
4. Terry Labonte
5. Mike Wallace
6. Michael McDowell
WALTRIP QUOTES:
How will you approach the Duels?
“In the middle of the Bud Shootout I thought, ‘We have only run 8 laps so nobody is going to wreck each other.’ They did. I guess you just have to sort of survive first. I think we will try and not be too eager to get in the middle of it all early on Thursday and just ride for awhile. Just lay back like Tony (Stewart) did. He made it work out alright.”
How do you deal with the emotions of trying to make the Daytona 500?
“I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but I’ve been able to accomplish it with some major, extreme circumstances — ’07 in a car that I had never practiced — ’10 when I had to sit there and hope that somebody got me in because I had a crash. Last year, finishing third up front was pretty cool. I’ve experienced every emotion except missing it and I don’t want to experience that.”
NOTES:
- DIS Veteran … Waltrip has made 74 point series starts at Daytona International Speedway in NASCAR’s three top-series. The Owensboro, Ky., native has captured three wins at the 2.5 mile tri-oval including two Daytona 500 victories. He has also scored 12 top-five and 22 top-10 finishes.
- Superspeedway Stud … Waltrip is considered to be one of NASCAR’s top superspeedway driver’s in history. He has started 89 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Daytona and Talladega. The two-time Daytona 500 champion has grabbed four wins, 13 top-five and 28 top-10 finishes.
- Opposites Attract … Aaron’s will begin airing a series of humorous commercials featuring “The Odd Couple” of Martin and Waltrip during SPEED-TV’s and Fox’s coverage during Speed Weeks in Daytona. To preview the commercials click below.
Odd Couple Spots: www.aarons.com/tv
- Follow Michael Waltrip’s progress on the track on Twitter at @mwrteam and follow Michael as he tweets at @mw55. While you’re at it follow our friends at Aaron’s at @aaronssports and Toyota at @toyotaracing.
- For Michael Waltrip career statistics: Click Here
TELEVISION SCHEDULE
Date: Wednesday Feb. 22
Practice 12:00 p.m. SPEED
Practice 2:30 p.m. SPEED
Date: Thursday Feb. 23
Duels 2:00 p.m. SPEED
Date Friday Feb. 24
Practice 11:00 a.m. SPEED
Practice 12:30 a.m. SPEED
Date Saturday Feb. 25
Practice 10:30 a.m. SPEED
Date Sunday Feb. 26
Race 12:30 p.m. Fox
No. 40 Crew
Front Changer – Kyle Turner
Rear Changer – Lee Cunningham
Front Carrier - Matt Holzbaur
Rear Carrier – Britt Caulder
Jackman – Getty Cavitt
Gas man – Evan Marchal
Upcoming Martin/Waltrip Schedule-Driver
Feb. 26 Daytona 500 - Martin
Mar. 4 Phoenix – Martin
Mar. 11 Las Vegas - Martin
Mar. 18 Bristol – TBD
Mar. 25 California – Martin
Apr. 1 Martinsville – TBD
Apr. 14 Texas – Martin
Apr. 22 Kansas – Martin
May 6 Talladega – Waltrip
May 12 Darlington – Martin
May 19 All Star Race – Martin
May 27 Charlotte – Martin
June 3 Dover – Martin
June 10 Pocono – Martin
